JP4736057B2 - Quick connect fitting - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to quick connect pipe fittings, and more particularly to improving the construction of such joints.

  Conventionally, quick connect fittings are used to connect flexible pipes in fluid power systems such as pressurized air systems for automobile air brakes and air conditioning systems, for example. This includes, for example, connections to other parts such as valve bodies, air tanks or the like. In the above-described or other systems, each flexible tube, for example, a body such as a normal fitting, valve, manifold, or similar part for carrying and receiving pressurized fluid, A joint is needed to connect the ends of the tubes. However, it has been time consuming and uneconomical to frequently connect or disconnect a tube to or from a body where a particular tube may not be readily available.

  Conventionally, there are a variety of “push-in” type joints that can quickly and easily connect a tube to a valve or manifold body without the use of tools. In these joints, the pipes are connected by fitting the pipes so that the joints are simply pressed against the bores in the body, and attaching the end portions on the introduction side of the pipes in the joints. Usually, the joint has a plurality of parts that hold the pipe in a releasable manner.

  One of the configurations of a conventionally known quick connect joint has a pipe with a pipe support attached inside, an inner O-ring, an outer O-ring and a collet, and the collet and the pipe are engaged with each other. The tube was held on the tube support. While this configuration is known to be effective in practice, it further minimizes manufacturing costs, reduces assembly errors, and prior to fitting or fitting the manifold into the body. The joint developers continue to make further improvements to these types of joints.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the above point, and it aims at providing the manufacturing method of a quick connect coupling and a quick connect coupling.

  The present invention provides a quick connect joint having a tubular tube support, a sleeve and a collet as means for solving the above-mentioned problems. In an embodiment of the present invention, the tube support includes an outer surface configured to frictionally engage the inner wall of the tube, a tube support portion, and a mounting flange connected to the tube support portion. The sleeve also includes an inner surface that is larger in diameter than the outer surface diameter of the tube and an outer surface that engages the wall of the bore. The collet also includes an outer surface that engages the inner surface of the sleeve and an inner surface that is larger in diameter than the outer surface of the tubular tube support and slightly smaller than the outer surface of the tube. The tube is frictionally held between the collet and the tubular tube support when mounted in the fitting. Between the end of the tubular tube support and the collet, at least one annular seal member is disposed axially in close contact with the tube, and a radially extending mounting flange and an annular member are provided. At least one spacer member is disposed between the seal member and the seal member. The annular seal member and the spacer member are arranged to form an annular trough between the collet and the tube support so that the end of the tube can be attached. In order to assemble the parts, a mounting flange extending in the radial direction is fixed to the first end of the sleeve.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, the quick connect coupling includes an annular seal member having a generally rectangular cross-section so as to be disposed between the radially extending mounting flange and the end of the collet. . The annular sealing member is arranged to form an annular trough between the collet and the tube support so that the end of the tube can be attached.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a quick connect coupling having a tubular tube support, a sleeve and a collet is provided. The tubular tube support includes an outer surface configured to frictionally engage the inner wall of the tube. The sleeve also includes an inner surface that is larger in diameter than the outer surface of the tube and an outer surface that engages the surface of the bore. The collet also includes an outer surface that engages the inner surface of the sleeve and an inner surface that is larger in diameter than the outer surface of the tubular tube support and slightly smaller than the outer surface of the tube. The tube is frictionally held between the collet and the tubular tube support. An annular sealing member is disposed between the sleeve and the tube support, but is positioned so that it is in intimate contact with the inner surface of the bore and the outer surface of the tube.
Furthermore, the present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a quick connect joint.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although these drawings illustrate a plurality of preferred embodiments of the present invention, these drawings need not be specified to the dimensions shown, and these drawings are illustrative of the present invention. Some features are exaggerated for clarity and ease of explanation. Further, the embodiments shown herein are exclusive, that is, are not intended to limit or constrain the present invention to the specific forms or configurations shown in the attached figures or the following description.

  Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a quick connect fitting 20 configured in accordance with features of the present invention is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the quick connect fitting 20 includes a sleeve 22, a tube support 24, a pair of inner O-rings 26 and 27, an outer O-ring 28 and a collet 30. A flexible tube 32 is mounted on the tube support portion 34 included in the tube support 24 and is frictionally held when the collet 30 is slid on the tube 32.

  In this embodiment, the sleeve 22 includes a relieved annular end 36 at the first end 38 and defines an annular shoulder 40 at this site. The annular shoulder 40 supports a radially extending flange 42 included in the tube support 24. The radial flange 42 is substantially perpendicular to the tube support 34 included in the tube support 24. Unlike prior art fittings, the illustrated tube support 24 does not have an L-shaped connection between the flange 42 and the tube support 34. An annular hollow portion 44 is provided between the inner O-rings 26, 27 and the first portion 34 of the tube support 24 so that the end of the tube 32 can be attached. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the tube support 24 is held within the sleeve 22 using a roll / coin edge 45 that engages the end of the radial flange 42.

  The inner O-ring 26 is placed in intimate contact with the tube, and the inner O-ring 27 is placed against the radial flange 42 of the tube support 24. The inner O-ring 27 functions as a spacer between the inner O-ring 26 and the radial flange 42. However, the inner O-ring 27 may be in close contact with the tube 32. The outer O-ring 28 is mounted in the annular outer groove 46 of the sleeve 12 near the second end 48 of the sleeve 22 and is in intimate contact with the inner wall of the bore in which the fitting 20 is mounted.

  The collet 30 includes an inner gripping surface 50, which may include at least one protrusion or similar configuration for frictional engagement with the tube 32. Then, the collet 30 is slid into the sleeve 22 and the tube 32 is fixed to the tube support portion 34 of the tube support 24.

  The procedure for assembling the joint of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is performed as follows. That is, after the inner O-rings 26 and 27 are mounted, the collet 30 is mounted in the sleeve 22. The tube support 24 is then mounted and connected to the sleeve 22 using the roll / coin edge 45. Finally, the outer O-ring 28 is installed in the outer groove 46 on the sleeve 22. The components of the joint 20 remain integral after assembly and do not require a plunge to keep the components assembled.

  2 and 3, another embodiment of the joint 20 is shown. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a spacer insert 29 is used in place of the inner O-ring 27. The illustrated spacer insert 29 has a substantially rectangular cross section. However, this member can have other cross-sectional shapes, such as an elliptical shape, within the scope of the present invention. The spacer 29 may be made of ferrous metal, non-ferrous metal, plastic, or elastomer, and may or may not have sealing properties. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the inner O-ring 26 is also replaced with a flexible cup seal 31, such as a C-shaped cup seal or other non-O-ring type annular seal member. ing.

  Referring to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the joint 20 is shown. In this embodiment, both of the O-rings 26 and 27 are replaced with an annular seal member 33. The annular seal member 33 functions as both a seal part that is in close contact with the pipe 32 and a part that supports the pipe 32 in the gap 44 (as an integral member). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the inner surface included in the annular seal member 33 includes a substantially flat inner cylindrical portion 41 and a pair of tapered portions 43 extending away from the cylindrical portion 41 in the radial direction. have.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the annular seal member 33 has a substantially rectangular cross section in another embodiment, and further, a seal such as an annular protrusion extending inwardly from the inner surface 49. The projection 47 may be provided. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the annular seal member 33 may have a substantially curved inner surface 51 as defined by at least one radius R in other embodiments. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the inner surface 53 of the annular seal member 33 may be defined by two tapered surface portions 55 that converge at the top portion 57 in another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the top portion 57 may be a point, or may be a flat portion or a curved portion. Furthermore, it should be understood that the annular seal member 33 is not limited to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-7 and may have other cross-sectional shapes within the scope of the present invention.

  The annular seal member 33 can be molded from a polymer material such as a thermosetting elastomer. Alternatively, the annular seal member 33 may be cut from a semi-processed product of a polymer material. For example, referring to FIG. 8, an annular seal member 29 having a substantially rectangular shape is shown, but this shape is not a molded shape using a mold, but by cutting using a latch or other cutting tool. Has been obtained. However, the final shape obtained by cutting the semi-finished product of the polymer is not limited to the substantially rectangular shape shown in FIG. 8, and the shapes shown in FIGS. Can be included.

  9-13, another embodiment of a quick connect joint 60 constructed in accordance with features of the present invention is shown. The quick connect joint 60 includes a sleeve 62, an integral tubular tube support 64, an inner O-ring 66, an outer O-ring 68 and a collet 70. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the quick connect coupling 60 is used to connect the tube 72 to other components, such as a single step bore, air tank or other bore.

  Referring to FIG. 9, the sleeve 62 includes an annular end 76 that is relieved to the first end 78, and an annular groove 80 and a shoulder 82 that are directed radially outward are defined in this portion. Yes. In this embodiment, the tube support 64 has a generally conical flange 84 prior to insertion. The conical flange 84 is connected to the tubular tube support 64 by a radial flange 86 having a section 88 extending in the axial direction and a section 90 extending in the radial direction. An annular trough is provided between the tube engagement section 92 of the tube support 64 and the axially extending section 88 to receive the end of the tube 72.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the tube support 64 is held in the sleeve 62 with the flange 84 extending into the annular groove 80. When extending in this manner, the shoulder 82 prevents the tube support 62 from being advanced too far into the sleeve 62 and acts as a surface against which the flange 84 is deformed. A force is exerted against the tube support 64 along this direction, as shown as force vector 95 in FIG. Referring to FIG. 10, as the force is applied, the dimension A, which generally indicates the inner diameter of the flange 84, decreases to the dimension A ′ as the flange 84 is deformed against the shoulder 82 and becomes flat. Dimension B, generally indicating the outer diameter of flange 84, increases to dimension B ′. That is, as the flange 84 becomes flat, the outer diameter of the flange 84 extends into the groove 80 to secure the tube support 64 to the sleeve 62. Optionally, a reduction in the inner diameter of the flange 84 may be used to ensure that the mandrel 96 is used when the flange 84 is deformed to ensure that the tube 72 can enter the trough 94 during assembly ( For example, see FIG.

  Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, there is shown a quick connect joint 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated quick connect joint 100 includes a sleeve 102, a tubular tube support 104, an O-ring 106 and a collet 108. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the quick connect fitting 100 is used to connect the tube 110 to other components, such as a single step bore, air tank or other bore.

  Referring to FIG. 15, a joint 100 mounted in the bore 112 is shown. When mounted in the bore 112, the O-ring 116 is in close contact with the tube 110 and the cylindrical surface 114 inside the bore 112. Contrary to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the joint 100 eliminates the need for distinguishing O-rings in intimate contact with the inner surface 114 and the tube 110.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described with reference to the attached drawing, these are only exemplifying the best composition in practicing this invention. Those who have ordinary knowledge in the technical field will be able to use the above embodiment when implementing the present invention without departing from the technical idea and scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims. It will be understood that various changes and the like can be made. Accordingly, while the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, the methods and apparatus within the scope of these claims and their equivalents are also covered. The description herein includes all new and non-obvious combinations of the parts disclosed herein, and this application or later in respect of new and non-obvious combinations of these parts. Can be charged. Furthermore, the above embodiments are illustrative, and no single feature or part is critical to all possible combinations that may be claimed in this application or later.

It is sectional drawing of the coupling connected to the push type which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the coupling connected to the pushing type which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the coupling connected to the pushing type which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the coupling connected to the pushing type which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of other embodiment of the cyclic | annular sealing member used for the coupling shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of other embodiment of the cyclic | annular sealing member used for the coupling shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of other embodiment of the cyclic | annular sealing member used for the coupling shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the coupling connected to the pushing type which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the coupling connected to the pushing type which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the tube support shown in FIG. 9 prior to attaching the tube support to the fitting. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the tube support shown in FIG. 9 after the tube support is attached to the fitting. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the joint shown in FIG. 9 after the tube support is attached. It is sectional drawing of the coupling | bonding which showed separately during attachment of the support of a pipe | tube, and after attachment. It is sectional drawing of the coupling connected to the push-in type based on other embodiment of this invention. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the joint shown in FIG. 14 mounted in the bore of the valve body.

Explanation of symbols

20, 60, 100 Quick connect fitting 22, 62, 102 Sleeve 24, 64, 104 Pipe support 26, 31 Annular seal member 27, 29 Spacer member 30, 70, 108 Collet 32, 72, 110 Pipe 34, 92 Pipe support part 42, 84 Flange

Claims (11)

A quick connect fitting (20) used to connect a pipe (32) in a bore formed in the body,
An outer surface configured to frictionally engage the inner wall of the tube (32), and further comprising a tube support portion (34) and a radially extending attachment connected to the tube support portion (34) possess a plane of the flange (42) of the use, the tubular no connection portion of L-shaped between the plane of the flange (42) for mounting the extending support part of the tube (34) to said radially Tube support (24),
A sleeve (22) having an inner diameter greater than the diameter of the outer surface of the tube (32) and an outer surface engaging the inner wall of the bore and connecting the support (24) of the tube;
An outer surface engaging the inner surface of the sleeve (22), and an inner surface having a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the outer surface of the support of the tubular tube and slightly smaller than a diameter of the outer surface of the tube (32). A collet (30) for frictionally holding the tube (32) between the tubular tube support (24);
At least one annular seal member (26, 31) disposed axially between the tubular tube support (24) and the end of the collet (30) so as to be in intimate contact with the tube (32). )When,
The mounting flange (42) extending in the radial direction and the annular seal member (26, 31) are disposed and supported by a plane as the mounting flange (42) extending in the radial direction. At least one spacer member (27, 29),
The annular seal member (26, 31) and the spacer member (27, 29) form an annular trough (44) between the collet (30) and the tube support part (34). It is arranged so that the end of the pipe (32) can be attached, and a plane as a mounting flange (42) extending in the radial direction is fixed to the end of the sleeve (22). Quick connect fittings. The quick connect joint according to claim 1, wherein the spacer member (27) is an O-ring. The quick connect joint according to claim 1, wherein the spacer member (27) is in close contact with the pipe (32). The quick connect joint according to claim 1, wherein the annular seal member (31) is a cup seal. The quick connect joint according to claim 1, wherein the spacer member (29) has a substantially rectangular cross section. The annular seal member and the spacer member are an integral member having a substantially rectangular cross section disposed between the mounting flange (42) extending in the radial direction and the collet (30). 33. The quick connect joint according to claim 1, wherein The integral member (33) includes a substantially flat inner cylindrical portion (41) and a pair of taper portions (43) extending radially outward from the cylindrical portion (41). The quick connect joint according to claim 6, further comprising an inner surface. The quick connect joint according to claim 6, wherein the integral member (33) includes a projecting portion (47) for sealing in an annular projecting form. The quick connect coupling according to claim 6, wherein the integral member (33) includes a substantially curved inner surface (51). The quick connect joint according to claim 6, wherein the integral member includes a pair of tapered surface portions (55) so as to converge at the top portion (57). 11. The quick connect joint according to claim 10, wherein the top (57) is defined by a point, a flat part or a curved part.

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